Nov. 4, 2005

Box Score

Fullerton, Calif. - The Pacific Tigers women's soccer team fell, 1-0, to No. 15 Cal State Fullerton in the Big West Conference Semifinals on Friday, Nov. 4. The loss likely ended Pacific's season to 10-9-1, while Cal State Fullerton is now 16-3 overall.

In a game dominated by the defense of both the Tigers and the Titans, Cal State out shot Pacific 23-7 in the game and held a 13-2 advantage on corners.

The Tigers held the Titans scoreless in the first half, despite being out shot 10-2. Pacific's defense was most impressive during the final minutes of the first half as the Tigers stopped Cal State Fullerton on five corners down the stretch of the first half.

Pacific opened the second half with arguably its best scoring opportunity as junior Carmen Padilla (San Jose, Calif.) nearly missed a goal. Cal State Fullerton junior goalkeeper Karen Bardsley tipped the ball just over the crossbar to keep the match scoreless. Freshman Nicci Leon (Valencia, Calif.) had the Tigers' next best chance minutes later when her bouncing shot nearly got behind Bardsley, who made a diving save.

With the game still scoreless as the five minute mark approached, Cal State Fullerton junior Lauryn Welch netted the game-winner. The goal was set up by Titan senior Marlene Sandoval's free kick from 40 yards out, that went to the far right post where Cal State Fullerton sophomore Stacey Thompson crossed the ball across the goal mouth to a leaping Welch, who headed the ball in for her sixth goal of the season.

The victory was the first-ever for Fullerton in four Big West Conference Tournament appearances and puts the Titans in Sunday's championship match against No. 2-seeded UC Riverside, a shootout winner over Long Beach State earlier in the evening.

Despite the loss, Pacific goalkeeper sophomore Jaime Souza had a game-high nine saves.

The Tigers remain alive for an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament. The field will be announced on Monday, Nov. 7.